Dr. Chartchai has found there is a demand in Bangkok for facial implants especially chin implants. He believes the results of a chin implant are very impressive as the implant adds significantly to the contour and profile of the face. By making the chin slightly larger and projecting forward, this makes the nose appear relatively smaller and gives length to the entire face which significantly enhances facial appearance.

In Dr. Chartchai's practice, he prefers fat injection rather than cheek implant surgery as a solution for a patient who wishes to help restore a more youthful appearance in the face.

What do you want to change?
Facial implants can produce remarkable change. Good candidates for chin implants are people with small chins without a significant overbite. The best way to decide if you can benefit from a chin augmentation is to take a profile picture and evaluate it. Ideally, the chin should project as far forward as the lower lip for women and even a little more for men.

For anyone with a large nose, augmenting the chin will make the nose appear smaller in profile. If you have a weak jaw and a short, indistinct neck, especially if you have a double chin, you will probably benefit from an implant. The chin also has an influence on the appearance of the shape of the neck.

If the entire lower jaw has a significant overbite, this is a much more involved procedure which may include breaking the jaw bone.

Autologous fat injection may be selected to fill out a face that appears "sunken" or tired.

Procedure

• Chin augmentation
  is a very predictable and effective procedure with little downtime. It is performed by an incision within the mouth and placing a silicone implant directly on top of the chin. It can also be done through the skin below the chin. Dr. Chartchai separates all of the tissue from the jawbone to create a pocket for the implant. Once the implant is inserted, the incision is closed.
  
  A chin implant takes 20-30 minutes under local anesthesia.
  
  

• Facial fat injection or lipofill
  Fat globules are liposuctioned usually from the abdomen or thighs, cleaned, and prepared for injection into depressed or hollow areas of the face.

Recovery time
You will experience swelling, bruising, numbness, or stiffness in the area - all of which can be relieved by applying cold compresses. Majority of the swelling will have gone by 2 weeks, and numbness should be resolved in about 3 months.

It is best to lie with your head elevated to promote proper lymphatic drainage and to reduce swelling. You should also eat only soft food. Do not talk too much for the first week to minimize movement. You must be careful not to bump your chin for at least 6 weeks.

You will be able to return to work in a few days, but avoid strenuous activity for at least 2-4 weeks. It will be 6 months to a year before the implant moulds into the bone and looks its best.

Possible complications
As with any surgery, bleeding and infection can occur. If an implant is inserted, the most common complication is capsular contracture, a hardening of the tissue around the implant that can result in an unnatural look. Also, the implant could be improperly positioned or shift over time.If an infection develops, the implant may have to be removed. Though rare, you could have an allergic reaction to the implant material.

Other, less frequent risks may be associated with certain implants. Currently there is no scientific evidence that the implant material used is a harmful substance. Be sure to discuss all your concerns with Dr. Chartchai.